Women’s Champions League: Disney+ Lands Exclusive Rights, But Fans Still Have Free Viewing Options
Football fans, get ready! The UEFA Women’s Champions League is gearing up for its ‘League Phase,’ and the broadcasting landscape is shifting. In a landmark deal, Disney+ will be the primary home for all 75 matches live, but a strategic partnership with European broadcasters ensures some games will remain accessible to a wider audience. This is breaking news for soccer enthusiasts, and a significant moment for the growth of women’s sports visibility – a key factor in SEO and attracting a broader fanbase.
Disney+ Takes Center Stage for Women’s Champions League
Starting next Tuesday, October 7th, with FC Barcelona facing Bayern Munich at the Johan Cruyff Stadium (21:00 CET), Disney+ will broadcast the entirety of the Women’s Champions League. This represents a major investment in women’s football by the streaming giant, and a commitment to providing comprehensive coverage. The agreement, announced by UEFA in May, extends through 2030, signaling a long-term vision for the league’s growth. For dedicated fans, a Disney+ subscription is now essential to follow every kick of the ball.
Free-to-Air Options: TVE & TV3/Esport3 Offer Select Matches
But don’t despair if you’re not a Disney+ subscriber! A crucial element of the broadcasting agreement ensures that select matches will be available on free-to-air television. TVE (Spain) and TV3/Esport3 (Catalonia) will each broadcast one match per day, offering a lifeline for fans who prefer traditional viewing methods. The schedule kicks off this Wednesday, October 8th, with Real Madrid versus Roma (18:45 CET). Further free-to-air matches include Roma-Barça (October 15th), Real Madrid-Paris FC (November 11th), and Chelsea-Barça (November 20th). Barça fans can also look forward to a third open broadcast in either the fifth or sixth matchday, depending on their league standing.
Full ‘League Phase’ Schedule: Key Dates & Kick-Off Times
Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming schedule (all times CET):
- Day 1 (October 7-8): Juventus-Benfica (18:45), Arsenal-OL Lyonnes (21:00), FC Barcelona-Bayern (21:00), Paris FC-OH Leuven (21:00), Twente-Chelsea (18:45), R. MADRID-Roma (18:45), Manchester Utd.-Välerenga (21:00), St. Pölten-At. Madrid (21:00), Wolfsburg-PSG (21:00)
- Day 2 (October 15-16): OL Lyonnes-St. Pölten (18:45), Värenga-Wolfsburg (18:45), Roma-FC Barcelona (21:00), Chelsea-Paris FC (21:00), Oh Leuven-Twente (21:00), AT. MADRID-Manchester Utd. (18:45), Bayern-Juventus (21:00), PSG-R. Madrid (21:00), Benfica-Arsenal (21:00)
- Day 3 (November 11-12): Roma-Verenga (18:45), Ol Lyonnes-Wolfsburgo (21:00), R. MADRID-Paris FC (21:00), St. Pölten-Schelsea (21:00), FC Barcelona-Oh Leuven (18:45), Bayern-Arsenal (18:45), At. Madrid-Juventus (21:00), Manchester Utd.-PSG (21:00), Benfica-Twnte (21:00)
- Day 4 (November 19-20): Juventus-Ol Lyonnes (18:45), Wolfsburg-Manchester UTD. (18:45), Arsenal-REAL MADRID (21:00), Paris FC-Benfica (21:00), Välerenga-St. Pölten (21:00), Twente-AT. MADRID (18:45), Chelsea-FC Barcelona (21:00), Oh Leuven-Roma (21:00), PSG-BAYERN (21:00)
- Day 5 (December 9-10): St. Pölten-Juventus (18:45), Arsenal-Twente (21:00), PSG-OH Leuven (21:00), Real Madrid-Wolfsburg (21:00), FC Barcelona-Benfica (18:45), Välerenga-Paris FC (18:45), Chelsea-Roma (21:00), AT. Madrid-Bayern (21:00), Manchester utd.-ol lyonnes (21:00)
- Day 6 (December 17): Roma-St. Pölten (21:00), Bavaria Välerenga (21:00), Twente-REAL MADRID (21:00), Juventus cuffer UTD. (21:00), OH Leuven-Arsenal (21:00), OL Lyonnes-At. Madrid (21:00), Paris FC-FC Barcelona (21:00), Benfica-PSG (21:00), Wolfsburg-Chalsea (21:00)
The Future of Women’s Football Broadcasting
This broadcasting deal isn’t just about the current season; it’s a pivotal moment for the long-term growth of women’s football. The combination of Disney+’s reach and the accessibility of free-to-air coverage is designed to attract new fans and solidify the league’s position on the global stage. The European Broadcasting Union’s (UER) involvement, alongside individual agreements with channels like TV3, demonstrates a collaborative effort to maximize exposure across key European markets. As women’s football continues to gain momentum, expect to see further investment and innovation in how the game is presented to audiences worldwide. This is a win for the sport, the players, and the fans.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates, analysis, and exclusive content surrounding the Women’s Champions League and the evolving world of women’s sports. Don’t miss a moment of the action!
